Isaiah Chapter 40

Stephen emphasizes that God is the "God of all comfort," as revealed in Isaiah 40, where the Lord calls His people to find solace and strength in Him. The second part of Isaiah focuses on prophecy and salvation, highlighting God's work of redemption through His coming Messiah. Despite Israel's punishment and captivity due to their unfaithfulness, God's mercy and grace are evident as He promises to return and comfort His people. The term "comfort" in the original language signifies calling someone to one's side for encouragement, strength, and support, which is the role of the Holy Spirit, the Comforter. Stephen explains that God's comfort often comes through His presence, especially when believers feel forsaken, as exemplified by Jesus on the cross, who experienced the ultimate sense of abandonment. He stresses that God's power and understanding are infinite, and waiting upon Him with faith will renew strength, likened to the eagle soaring on the jet stream. The process of preparation for divine comfort involves repentance and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in our hearts, removing valleys, mountains, crookedness, and roughness in our lives. Stephen encourages believers to actively wait on the Lord, trusting that His coming will bring renewal, strength, and comfort, enabling them to run and walk faithfully until the end.

Outline of Main Points

• God is the "God of all comfort" and desires to strengthen His people.
• The second part of Isaiah focuses on prophecy, salvation, and redemption through Christ.
• God's comfort is rooted in His presence and promises, especially through the coming of the Messiah.
• The meaning of "comfort" involves calling someone to one's side for encouragement and support, fulfilled by the Holy Spirit.
• Even faithful believers like Paul need comfort during tribulation, which God provides through His presence and encouragement.
• God's discipline, including chastening, is motivated by love, not punishment, and often brings spiritual growth.
• Feeling forsaken is the greatest hardship; Jesus' experience on the cross exemplifies this sense of abandonment.
• Divine comfort often requires preparation—repentance and removing obstacles like valleys, mountains, crookedness, and roughness.
• Waiting actively upon the Lord with faith leads to renewal, strength, and spiritual elevation, like an eagle soaring.
• God's power and understanding are limitless; believers are encouraged to trust and wait for His timely coming.
• Through faith and patience, believers will be transformed, renewed, and able to run and walk faithfully until the end.